COVID-19 UpdateIn August, the State released its Blueprint for a Safer Economy, which created a tiered system of COVID-19 restrictions that all counties in California must follow. The most restrictive rules apply to the Purple Tier, and the least restrictive rules apply to the Yellow Tier. Santa Clara County has moved into the Red Tier, so certain activities have been able to resume, and certain businesses have reopened indoor operations at reduced capacity. This chart shows a comparison of which businesses and activities can resume under the State and County Orders. Highlights include personal care services (e.g., hair and nail salons) and gyms operating indoors, as well as museums, zoos, malls, and retail businesses increasing their capacity. Some indoor businesses and activities are still too high risk to allow at this time. For example, movie theaters, indoor gatherings, and any indoor dining are not yet permitted to reopen under Santa Clara County’s Order. Remember, Santa Clara County residents must follow both the State and County Health Officer Orders. Where there is a conflict between the two, follow the more restrictive set of rules. Continue to keep your distance, wear a face covering, and get tested. Learn more, including how to get tested for free, at www.sccgov.org/coronavirus
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Community Preparedness MonthCommunity Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community disaster and emergency planning. Emergency preparedness has become more important as we continue to navigate the uncharted waters of the COVID-19 pandemic and other unexpected emergencies, such as the SCU and CZU Lightning Complex Fires. Residents who are willing and able to look out for themselves and others build a resilient community that can withstand a disaster and get back to normal quickly. Community preparedness starts at home. When your family is prepared, you'll be better positioned to help others in your community. The first step you can take right now is signing up to receive emergency alerts and warnings at www.sccgov.org/alertscc. Learn more about emergency and disaster planning at www.preparescc.org/ready
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Homemade Scarecrow Competition This year, the Village Scarecrows decided to expand outside the historic downtown and go citywide! If you’re looking for a festive, fun activity for your family, make a scarecrow! Display it in your yard or business window, and send a photo to info@saratogachamber.org by October 15 for a chance to win prizes! Categories include most creative, funniest, scariest, and community favorite. We hope you have fun creating and enjoying the scarecrows around Saratoga!
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Nextdoor DigestSaratoga Silly Walks Being silly is seriously good for you—especially during challenging times. When you see Silly Walk Signs in the Saratoga Village or on Joe’s Trail, take a moment to let loose, get creative, and show us your best silly walk! Please share a photo or video on social media, tag the City of Saratoga, and use #SaratogaSillyWalks to spread the silly cheer. Living Room Conversations Join your neighbors for meaningful Living Room Conversations on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. No debate, no heat—just respectful speaking and listening. The Saratoga Ministerial Association and the City of Saratoga host these events so the community can come together and engage on topics that are important to everyone. October’s session will be the final discussion in a three-part series on race and ethnicity. Find the conversation guide and information to join the virtual conversation using Zoom at www.saratoga.ca.us/LRC Apply to Serve on a City Commission The City is currently recruiting to fill vacancies on the Heritage Preservation, Traffic Safety, and Parks and Recreation Commissions. Applications are due by November 17! Applicants must be Saratoga residents and registered voters. For more information on the application process, visit www.saratoga.ca.us/comvac
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Quick Tip from Captain RichThere has been a recent string of thieves stealing garage door remotes left in vehicles to access Saratoga homes. Don’t keep your automatic garage door openers visible in your car. Consider alternative options to a traditional remote, like a keychain remote you keep with you or a garage door opener phone application. You can also install motion-activated flood lights near your garage to deter criminals.
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Ask Our StaffQ: Is PG&E continuing the Public Safety Power Shutoff program again this year? A: Yes! On Red Flag Warning Days, PG&E may turn off your power to reduce risk of wildfire. Prepare now for a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) event: - Update your contact information to receive alerts about the power shutoff. Visit www.pge.com/mywildfirealerts or call 1.866.743.6589 during normal business hours.
- Plan for medical needs, like medications that require refrigeration or devices that need power.
- Identify backup charging methods for phones.
- Keep hard copies of emergency numbers.
- Build or restock your emergency kit with flashlights, fresh batteries, first aid supplies, and cash.
- Keep in mind family members who are elderly, younger children, and pets/livestock.
- Know how to manually open your garage door.
- Traffic signals may be out, so treat those intersections as four-way stops.
- Ensure backup generators are ready and safe to use.
- You may experience reduced cellular coverage, depending on the length of the outage.
- For emergency assistance, always call 9-1-1.
If you qualify as a medical baseline customer, you will get extra notifications in advance of a PSPS event as well as a lower rate on your energy bill. This year, the Saratoga Library will be used as a Community Resource Center in the event of a PSPS. Residents will find charging stations, bottles water, restrooms and hand washing stations, and other resources to assist them while their homes are without power. Visit www.saratoga.ca.us/PSPS for more information on how to prepare and what to do during a PSPS.
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